Sheffield in Berkshire County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Elizabeth Freeman
Elizabeth Freeman (c1744-December 28, 1829) was the first enslaved African American to legally pursue and be awarded her freedom by the highest court in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, ruling in Brom and Bett v. Ashley, found slavery to be inconsistent with the 1780 Massachusetts State Constitution. She was freed by judicial decree in 1871 and given compensation for her labor. Her suit effectively ended slavery in Massachusetts, and she took the name Elizabeth Freeman.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1780.
Location. 42° 6.642′ N, 73° 21.21′ W. Marker is in Sheffield, Massachusetts, in Berkshire County. It is at the intersection of Main Street (U.S. 7) and Depot Square, on the right when traveling south on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 137 Main St, Sheffield MA 01257, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Massachusetts’ Berkshires. It is also in the American Northeast
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Old Parish Church Clock (within shouting distance of this marker); Cast Steel Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); Sheffield World War II Monument (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sheffield World War I Monument (about 800 feet away); World War II Memorial Trees (about 800 feet away); Barnard Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); American Legion Post 340 Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Reconstruction of 1854 Covered Bridge (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sheffield.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 27, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
